Nurses battling coronavirus had the catalytic converters from their cars stolen after heartless thieves broke into a hospital car park.
The crooks have targeted the staff car park at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital over the last two nights.
They have removed the catalytic converters from cars belonging to nurses - who are working overtime to treat patients with covid-19.
The converters - which can fetch around £300 when sold secondhand - are required for cars to pass an MOT.
So the hard-working nurses would have had to find another way to travel home after their long shift.
They would also have struggled getting to the hospital for work fpr their next shift.
At least 42 people have died from coronavirus at the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, of which the Royal, in Worcester, is the main hospital.
It is thought seven people tragically died over the weekend, while thieves were plundering the catalytic converters from staff's cars.
Worcestershire Safer Neighbourhoods team tweeted: "Thieves targeted the staff car park of Worcestershire Royal Hospital last night and stole catalytic converters from nurses' cars.
"Please be aware and report any suspicious vehicles.
"The depths some people sink to never ceases to amaze us."
Sergeant Lee Baker added: "Yet again hard working nurses have returned to their cars at Worcestershire Royal Hospital to find that catalytic converters have been stolen from their vehicles.
"If you know who is committing these offences then do the right thing and phone 101 or Crimestoppers."
Councillor Richard Udall revealed this horrendous crime has happened repeatedly.
He said: "For two nights in a row NHS staff at Worcestershire Royal Hospital have had their cars broken into and catalytic converters stolen.
"Key workers now won't be able to get to work.
"Unforgivable, let's hope they will be caught and justice will be seen to be done."
Paramedic Dave Harford tweeted: "Why? Why on earth would any idiot do this to our amazing NHS workers during a world emergency.
"Please, if you know anything or anyone who may be responsible for this awful action, call 101.
"Can any local business help with repairs?"
West Mercia Police and the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust have been contacted for comment.
